Tzefas Chief Sephardi Rabbi HaRav Shmuel Eliyahu and Rosh Yeshivat Ateret Kohanim HaRav Shlomo HaKohen Aviner have both spoken out strongly against gender-mixed combat units in the IDF, prohibiting talmidim from serving in them or even commanding them. Rav Aviner has told talmidim that must avoid induction into the IDF rather than serve in such a unit and officers must refuse to command such units, even at the expense of their careers, citing there is no heter.

Rabbi Eliyahu echoed Rav Aviner’s comments, as well as calling on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to dismiss IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott from his post for the damage he has and continues to cause vis-à-vis the religious status quo in the military.

Following Rabbi Eliyahu’s call to oust the IDF commander, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman called on the rabbonim to cease interfering in the operations of the IDF.

“I strongly condemn the blatant interference of external elements, including respected rabbis, in military affairs. This is unacceptable, which seriously harms national security and national strength. The IDF is not a feminist army or a chauvinist, and all its considerations are operational. I call on Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Shlomo Aviner to retract their dark words, refrain from making similar statements in the future, and stop harming the IDF’s strength and legitimacy, stated Lieberman.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)